Foil configuration device and method

ABSTRACT

A device for configuring foil as it is dispensed comprising a first section comprising a first configuration; a second section comprising a second configuration; the foil dispenser adapted to dispense foil between the first and second sections, the first and second sections imparting a grill-like configuration to the foil as the foil exits the dispensing device. A method of creating a cross sectional configuration in foil comprising: passing the foil through an opening; the opening having first and second sections which impart a configuration to the foil; the first and second sections being configured to create a grill-like configuration along the longitudinal axis of the foil.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityto U.S. application Ser. No. 13/011,893 entitled “Foil ConfigurationDevice And Method” filed Jan. 22, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to cook food items using aluminum foil. The aluminum foilmay be heated along with the food and disposed of thereafter. In manycases, the interior of the oven is not exposed to droppings orspattering as the foil provides adequate protection for collection ofrun-off, droppings and/or sputtering. However, frequently when cookingan item such as a pizza pie, the instructions indicate that the pieshould be placed directly upon the grill in order that the crust becooked in the proper manner. However, this exposes the grill and thearea of the oven below the grill to spatterings or droppings from thecooked item.

Another problem with the conventional use of aluminum foil is that fooditems tend to stick to the surface of the aluminum foil, which may posea problem when flipping the food item to ensure cooking on both sides.

Using the concept to a grill pan, when the juices of the food bringcooked are permitted to flow beneath the food, the results are improved,however, grill pans require cleaning and are limited in size andutility.

Moreover, nonstick chemicals are sometimes used to coat pans and/orfoils to enable the easy removal of foods from the foil. Chemicals,particularly when subjected to high temperatures, may pose increaserisks to the health of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A preferred embodiment comprises a food preparation device whichprovides a “grill like surface” while at the same time providing supportfor the food item, the easy removability of the food from the foilsurface, and the disposability of foil. At the same time, by distancingthe food from the flat surface of the foil, cooking is enhanced as aircirculates beneath the food. And, in the case of foods which contain fator oils, the oil or fat is evenly distributed beneath the food.

A preferred embodiment comprises a device for configuring foilcomprising: a first portion comprising a first configuration; a secondportion comprising a second configuration; the foil configuring deviceadapted to dispense foil between the first and second portions, thefirst and second portions imparting a configuration to the foil as thefoil exits the dispensing device.

The present invention comprises producing a grill-like surface in avariety of ways.

In another preferred embodiment, the grill-like surface is provided byvertical supports which are supported by a substantially horizontalbase. The vertical supports operate to produce a “grill like” surfacefor contact with the food item. This may be done, for example, byextending the foil over the vertical supports and then allowing the foilto enter into the gaps between the vertical supports. One way the foilenters the gaps between the vertical supports is by use of a device suchas that shown as element 40 or 40A in FIGS. 9 and 10, which element 40or 40A forms the foil within the space between the vertical supports 11or 11A. The element 40 may extend for the width of the foil or may besomewhat shorter, as in the case of 40A. Optionally, the element 40A mayhave wheels 44 to facilitate movement during the formation of thegrill-like surface.

In another preferred embodiment, the grooves in the foil are imparted bymoving the foil relative to the grooving device or mechanism.Optionally, the grooving device or mechanism may be operativelyassociated with the package in which the foil is provided, such as thatdepicted in FIG. 15. This may be done as formations within the packagingor as an add-on to the package container, such as depicted in FIG. 23.

In an alternate embodiment, sets of groove forming wheels are cascadedrelative to other sets.

A preferred method of creating a cross sectional configuration in foilcomprises passing the foil through an opening; the opening having firstand second portions which impart a configuration to the foil; the firstand second portions being configured to create elevated portions alongthe longitudinal axis of the foil.

Another preferred method comprises passing the foil through wheel-shapedportions mounted on an axis having a somewhat diamond configurationwhich rotate on an axis.

Another preferred embodiment comprises a device for dispensing andconfiguration of foil comprising a first sections comprising firstsubstantially circular portions; a second section comprising secondsubstantially circular portions which interface the first substantiallycircular portions of the first section; a base on which the first andsecond sections are operatively connected; whereby when a foil is movedbetween the first and second sections, the foil is configured by thefirst and second substantially circular portions into continuouslyelevated portions along the longitudinal axis of the foil.

Optionally, the base forms part of a dispenser having a movable topportion for insertion of a roll of foil and wherein the first and secondsubstantially circular portions are positioned on the side of thedispenser such that as the foil is dispensed, the foil passed betweenthe first and second substantially circular portions to therebyconfigure the foil. Another option comprises interleaving the first andsecond substantially circular portions such that the first and secondsubstantial circular portions are off-set from each other so as toproduce one of ridges, undulations or serrations in the foil as the foilpasses therebetween.

A further option comprises substantially circular portions comprisingsurfaces that are circular in cross section in a first plane and form anapex in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. As analternative option, each of the substantially circular first and secondportions comprise surfaces that are circular in cross section in a firstplane and form an oval in a second plane perpendicular to the firstplane.

A further option is that the first and second substantially circularportions rotate on at least one first and second axles, respectively,and wherein the first and second substantially circular portions areadapted to pass foil therebetween in order to configure one of ridges,undulations or serrations along the longitudinal axis of the foil,Optionally, the substantially circular first and second portions pivoton at least one axle and that is motor driven. Optionally, the at leastone axle comprises a plurality of axles separated spatially from oneanother in the longitudinal direction of the foil, and due to thespatially separated axles the inner portion of the foil is configured ata different interval of time than the outer portion of the foil as thefoil is dispensed.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forthin part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TUE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich: The drawings of this invention are illustrative and diagrammaticin nature in order to present the principles of the invention. They arebeing provided as examples without limiting the invention to thespecific configuration or dimensions shown.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment comprisingselective components of a grill provider device comprising verticalsupports 11 positioned on a base 12.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematic illustration of the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view schematic illustration of the preferred embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodimentcomprising selective components of a grill provider device comprisingvertical supports ii positioned on a substantially round base 12,although the base of the preferred embodiment may be rectangular,elliptical or any configuration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment comprisingselective components of a grill provider device 30 comprising verticalsupports 11 positioned on a base 12.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment comprisingselective components of a grill provider device 30A comprising verticalsupports II positioned on a base 12.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6from a different perspective comprising vertical supports 11 positionedon a base 12.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment topportion 40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43.

FIG. 9A is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment topportion 40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 positioned over a base portion30A as depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9B is a schematic illustration of foil subjected to incrementalimpressions of top portion 40 and base portion 30A wherein a series ofridges 45A result from the impression of the segments 45.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment topportion 40A comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 and wheels 44 adapted to bepositioned over a base portion.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a partial view of the top portion40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 positioned above a base portioncomprising a base 12 and vertical supports 11.

FIG. 12 schematically depicts a methodology associated with a preferredembodiment of the present invention in which foil is shown inconjunction with a base portion comprising base 12 and vertical supports11.

FIG. 13 schematically depicts a methodology associated with a preferredembodiment of the present invention in which foil is shown inconjunction with a base portion comprising base 12 having multiplevertical supports 11; such as for example six.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a partial view of the top portion40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 positioned above a base portioncomprising a base 12, vertical supports 11A and adjustable support 13.When the foil is inserted on top of the vertical supports 11A, and theslots 41, 42, and 43 are matched with the vertical supports 11A, thefoil will be pressed down to the adjustable support 13, resulting in theridges in the foil being approximately the distance between theadjustable support 13 and the top of the adjustable supports 11A, whichis represented by “X” in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15A is a schematic illustration of a horizontal/adjustable support13.

FIG. 15B is a schematic illustration of a vertical support 11Acomprising, inter alia, adjustable grooves 15.

FIG. 15C is a schematic illustration of the resilient fingers 15A whichmay be substituted for the adjustment grooves 15, such that the nodules14 are supported between the resilient fingers and are movable foradjustment of the horizontal support 13.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a top portion 51 and a bottom portion 52which may be integral with a dispenser for production of foil having aserrated edge (distance between the serrated top portions may be spacedfrom one-eighth to one inch).

FIG. 17A is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a dispenser 60 which produces foil having agrill-like surface as depicted.

FIG. 17B illustrates various patterns which may be imparted to the foilby passing the foil through configurations resembling those shown inFIG. 17B.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a dispenser 60 which produces foil having agrill-like surface as depicted comprising a top portion 61 and bottomportion 62 and further delineating the expanded view or cut-away portionor segment shown further in FIGS. 19 and 21.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a portion of the dispenser 60 comprisingwheel-like portions 63 and 65, which rotate on axles 64 and 66respectively (where the cut-away view of FIG. 18 is enlarged in FIG.19).

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a side view taken along the lines20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a portion of the dispenser 60 comprisingwheel-like portions 67 and 68, which rotate on axles 64 and 66respectively (note that the cut-away view of FIG. 18 is enlarged in FIG.21).

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a side view taken along the lines22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a dispenser 70 which surrounds the originalstore bought package of metallic foil. The outer dispenser 70 maycomprise the features of any of the grill producing configurations shownin FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 and 27 both alone or incombination (such as the dispenser configuration of FIG. 24 being onopposite sides of the dispenser 70 as that shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a portion of the dispenser 60 comprisingwheel-like portions 67 and 68, which rotate on axles 64 and 66respectively (note that the cut-away view of FIG. 18 is enlarged in FIG.24) and further showing the perspective view-point by the line 26-26 forthe adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of the resilient fingers whichprovide for the adjustment of axles 64, 65, which may be formed from aplastic material which is somewhat flexible, yet provides sufficientdurability and support.

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the dispenserportions 61 and 62 having resilient portions therein providingadjustment of axles 64 and 66. The resilient fingers may be formed froma plastic material (such as PVC) which is somewhat flexible, yetprovides sufficient durability and support.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60A comprising topand bottom portions 61A and 62B having a corrugated-like or undulatedfoil interface portions.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60, 60A or 70comprising hinges 61 which allow the opening of the dispenser 60, 60A or70.

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60, 60A or 70comprising multiple sets of hinges 61 which allow the opening of thedispenser 60, 60A or 70 at multiple locations providing a variety ofconfiguration patterns.

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60, 60A or 70comprising two sets of configurable surfaces providing two differentconfiguration patterns.

FIG. 31A is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodimentwhich produces another type configuration in the foil,

FIG. 31B is a schematic illustration of substantially circular first andsecond portions 67D and 68D comprising surfaces that form an apex in asecond plane perpendicular to the first plane.

FIG. 31C is a schematic illustration of substantially circular first andsecond portions 67D and 68D comprising surfaces that are circular incross section in a first plane taken along lines 31C in FIG. 31B

FIG. 32 is an alternative schematic illustration showing an enlargedview of the broken circle of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the configuration wheels of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a second alternative schematic illustration showing anenlarged view of the broken circle of FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a schematic illustration of a cutting tool adapted to be usedwith the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a schematic illustration of a cutting tool and receiverportion adapted to be used with the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 37 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the cutting tooland receiver portion shown in FIG. 36 adapted to be used with thepreferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 38A is a top view of an alternate configuration in which the axles64, 66 and configuration portions may be cascaded so that theconfiguration of the foil on the outside portion of the foil is not doneat the same time as the configuration of the inner portion of the foil.

FIG. 38B is a top view of an alternate configuration in which the axles64, 66 and configuration portions may be cascaded so that theconfiguration of the foil on the outside portion of the foil is not doneat the same time as the configuration of the inner portion of the foil;i.e. the inner set configures the foil last.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the cascaded embodiments 90, 110.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of theinvention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided anthat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description ofthe figures.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected or coupled” to another element, there are no interveningelements present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used hereinmay include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first portion could be termed asecond portion and, similarly, a second portion could be termed a firstportion without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with referenceto illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealizedembodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments ofthe present invention should not be construed as limited to theparticular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIGS. 1-39 are schematic illustrations comprising selective componentsof “grill” creating systems. As used herein, the terminology “grill”refers to the feature of a cooking surface wherein only a portion of thefull surface engages the surface of the food. The illustrations aremerely exemplary. It is noted that the principles of the presentinvention may be utilized in connection with a foil or foil dispensingsystem, but are not necessarily limited thereto. Moreover, the inventionis not limited to personal or home usage and may be used in corporatefood processing, restaurant food processing or the like. As used herein,the term person refers to a person, company, organization, or group ofpersons. The foil configuring portions are interchangeable in theembodiments (or dispensers) disclosed and may be combined together inone dispenser.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment comprisingselective components of a grill provider device comprising verticalsupports 11 positioned on a base 12. The length of the device, whichwould correlate to the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 1, may beapproximately twelve inches, 18 inches, twenty inches, or twenty-fourinches to accommodate common foil widths. Similarly, the length of thedevice shown in FIG. 1 may be selected based upon the foil width, forexample, 12, 18, 20 or 24 inches.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematic illustration of the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1. The vertical supports 11 may comprise a wire framewhich extends around the perimeter as shown in FIG. 2 or may be a solidwall construction or a combination of the two. The material compositionmay be metallic if it is desirable to make it oven compatible andsubject to oven temperatures or may comprise plastic, such as PVC if notsubjected to high temperatures. Similarly, the base portion 12 may be ofmetal composition or plastic, such as PVC.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Although 7vertical supports 11 are depicted in FIG. 3, the embodiment is notlimited to 7 vertical supports and the number may be in a range from 2to 30, depending upon the application and/or desired size.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodimentcomprising selective components of a grill provider device comprisingvertical supports 11 positioned on a substantially round base 12.Although a circular base is depicted in FIG. 4, the base of thepreferred embodiment may be rectangular, polygonal, elliptical,triangular, or any similar configuration. Also, the perimeter 21 may bea vertical wall similar in size to the vertical supports 11 or mayoptionally be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment comprisingselective components of a grill provider device 30 comprising verticalsupports 11 positioned on a base 12. With respect to all of theembodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1-30, the material composition may bemetallic if it is desirable to make it oven compatible and subject tooven temperatures or may comprise plastic, such as PVC if not subjectedto high temperatures. Similarly, the base portion (for example 12) maybe of metal composition or plastic, such as PVC. The height of thevertical supports may vary from one-quarter of an inch to one inch.However, a size of approximately 0.30 to 0.40 inches is preferred whenadapted to be used as a foil template inasmuch as the support capabilityof foil may preclude higher heights when supporting food items. Thespacing between the vertical supports may be similar to the spacingbetween grill wires, that is approximately one inch. For example, ovengrill support wires of approximately one inch provide ample support forfood items and allow a sufficient percentage of the food item to beexposed to convection currents within the over. Vertical supports 11 maybe spaced in the range of ⅜″ to 1½″ apart; such that ample support isprovided for the food item and at the same time, allow sufficientcirculation of convection currents. The number of vertical supports 11shown in FIG. 5 is four, but the invention is not limited to foursupports, and the number may be in a range from 2 to 30, depending uponthe application.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration comprising selective components of agrill provider device 30A comprising vertical supports 11 positioned ona base 12.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6from a different perspective comprising vertical supports 11 positionedon a base 12. The component 30A may be used as a base support for theconfiguration of foil, as will be explained in further detail in thefollowing.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment topportion 40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43. The top portion may befabricated from plastic, such as PVC, or a metal, such as aluminum. Thetop portion 40 is adapted to fit over a bottom portion 30A. The topportion 40 pushes the foil into the region between the supports 11 tocreate vertical portions in the foil; i.e., a grill-like surface.Although the portions 45, 46 between the slots 41, 43 and 42 aresomewhat rectangular, the portions may be arcuate, rounded orsemicircular; as shown as 45A and 46A.

FIG. 9A is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment topportion 40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 positioned over a base portion30A as depicted in FIG. 7. The top portion 40 may include a handle, notshown, to facilitate placement and removal of the top portion over thebase portion 30A. Foil (although not shown in FIG. 9) may be placed inbetween the top portion 40 and base portion 30A so as to configure thefoil with a grill-like top surface and allow drippings to be captured inthe valleys between the top surface supports. Although a single usewould impart three vertical supporting ridges correlating to uppermostsegments 45, by repeatedly passing other portions of the foil though thetop portion 40 and bottom portion 30A, any number of ridges may beimpressed into the foil. The impression of multiple ridges by repeatedlyimpressing a piece of foil with the top and base portions 30A, 40 isdepicted in FIG. 9B wherein a series of ridges 45A result from theimpression of the segments 45. Although ridges 45A are shown in FIG. 9B,the foil may have a series of undulations or apices depending upon theconfiguration of the top and base portions 40 and 30A.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the preferred embodiment topportion 40A comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 and wheels 44 adapted to bepositioned over a base portion. The technique illustrated in FIG. 10extends the principles of the present invention to an embodiment whereinthe top portion 40A covers only a portion of the base portion 30A.Wheels 44 may be provide to ease passage of the top portion 40A over thefoil placed between the top and base portions in order to impart theconfiguration to the foil (as depicted in FIG. 9B).

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a partial view of the top portion40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 positioned above a base portioncomprising a base 12 and vertical supports 11. The top portion need notbe coextensive with the base portion 30A and may be moved to impart thedesired configuration to the foil as depicted in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 12 schematically depicts a methodology associated with a preferredembodiment of the present invention in which foil is shown inconjunction with a base portion 30A comprising base 12 and verticalsupports 11.

FIG. 13 schematically depicts a methodology associated with a preferredembodiment of the present invention in which foil is shown inconjunction with a base portion 30B comprising base 12 having multiplevertical supports 11; such as for example six. The material compositionof the base section 30B may be metallic if it is desirable to make itoven compatible and subject to oven temperatures or may compriseplastic, such as PVC if not subjected to high temperatures. Similarly,the base 12 may be of metal composition or plastic, such as PVC. Theheight of the vertical supports may vary from one-quarter of an inch toone inch. However, a size of approximately 0.30 to 0.40 inches ispreferred when adapted to be used as a foil template inasmuch as thesupport capability of foil may preclude higher heights when supportingfood items. The spacing between the vertical supports may be similar tothe spacing between grill wires, such as, for example, approximately oneinch. For example, oven grill support wires of approximately one inchprovide ample support for food items and allow a sufficient percentageof the food item to be exposed to convection currents within the over.Vertical supports 11 may be spaced in the range of ⅜″ to 1½″ apart; suchthat ample support is provided for the food item and at the same time,allow sufficient circulation of convection currents. The number ofvertical supports 11 shown in FIG. 13 is six, but the invention is notlimited to six supports, and the number may be in a range from 2 to 30,depending upon the application.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a partial view of the top portion40 comprising slots 41, 42 and 43 positioned above a base portioncomprising a base 12, vertical supports 11A and adjustable support 13.The adjustable support allows the user to vary the effective height ofthe supports 11A. When the top portion is lowered onto the foil whichhas been inserted between the top and bottom assembly 10A, the foil willinitially supported by the top of the supports 11A and be driven to thesupport 13 location by vertical movement of the top portion 40.Consequently, the depth of the foil configuration is adjusted by themovement of the adjustable support 13 and corresponds to the distance“X” as depicted in FIG. 14. The distance X may be a distance in therange of one-eighth of an inch to one inch, depending upon theapplication. That is, a greater distance provides a deeper troughbetween vertical supports 11A allowing more heat flow between thevertical supports as a grill allows heat flow in the typical oven

FIG. 15A is a schematic illustration of a horizontal/adjustable support13. The horizontal adjustable support 13 may comprise nodules 14 whichengage adjustable grooves 15 for movable adjustment of the horizontalsupport 13. FIG. 15B is a schematic illustration of a vertical support11A comprising, inter alia, adjustable grooves 15. Although only onvertical support 11A is shown in FIG. 15B, each vertical support 11A mayhave the same configuration to provide for engagement of the nodules 14on the horizontal support 13. The invention is not limited to this typeof adjustment means and a variety of adjustable supports may be utilizedwithout departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, theresilient fingers 15A shown in FIG. 15C may be substituted for theadjustment grooves 15, such that the nodules 14 are supported betweenthe resilient fingers and are movable for adjustment of the horizontalsupport 13.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a top portion 51 and a bottom portion 52which may be integral with a dispenser for production of foil having aserrated edge (distance “Y” between the serrated top portions may bespaced from one-eighth to one inch). The distance Z as shown in FIG. 16between the top and bottom serrated surfaces may be approximatelyslightly larger than the thickness of the foil to permit movement of thefoil therebetween while at the same time configuring the foil in aserrated configuration as depicted in FIG. 16. The top and bottomserrated surfaces may be rounded to prevent tearing of the foil,depending upon the type of foil being used. Given that householdaluminum foils products commonly have a thickness in the range of0.01-0.018 mm, the distance Z may be approximately 0.02-0.03 mm.

FIG. 17A is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a dispenser 60 which produces foil having agrill-like surface as depicted. Instead of the interface surfacesthrough which the foil passed in between having a serratedconfiguration, the configuration of the opposing surfaces is similar toa square wave, except that the upper portions 69A are smaller (not aswide) than the lower portions 69B to produce a grill-like effect.Providing a smaller surface area on the top portions 69A results inimproved heat flow while cooking for better cooking of the bottomsurface of the food item.

FIG. 17B illustrates various patterns which may be imparted to the foilby passing the foil through configurations resembling those shown inFIG. 17B The patterns or configurations include a sine wave, modifiedsquare wave, serrated (or triangle) or saw tooth. Such configurationsare merely exemplary and other configurations may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a dispenser 60 which produces foil having agrill-like surface as depicted comprising a top portion 61 and bottomportion 62 and further delineating the expanded view or cut-away portionor segment shown further in FIGS. 19 and 21.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a portion of the dispenser 60 comprisingwheel-like portions 63 and 65, which rotate on axles 64 and 66respectively (where the cut-away view of FIG. 18 is enlarged in FIG.19). As the foil passes between the rollers 63, 66, the foil is shapedinto a grill-like surface. Due to the horizontal width “H” of the wheels63 relative to the width “K” of the wheels 65, a relatively smallsurface area (proportional to “K”) is in contact with the bottom surfaceof the food item while cooking, while the larger width “H” allows forheat flow between the elevated “K” portions to facilitate cooking of thebottom of the food item.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a side view taken along the lines20-20 of FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 20, the portion 61 is a wall of thedispenser 60 which supports the wheels 63 on the axle-like portions 64to allow turning of the wheels 63 as the foil passes between the wheels63, 65. Likewise, the portion 62 is a lower wall portion of dispenser 60having an axle-like portion 66 for support of wheels 65 to facilitaterotation thereof.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a portion of the dispenser 60 comprisingwheel-like portions 67 and 68, which rotate on axles 64 and 66respectively (note that the cut-away view of FIG. 18 is enlarged in FIG.21). As can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thefoil is configured with rounded trough areas resembling the shape ofwheels 67 and crest portions resembling the configuration of the topportion of wheels 68.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a side view taken along the lines22-22 of FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 22, the portion 61 is a wall of thedispenser 60 which supports the wheels 67 on the axle-like portions 64to allow turning of the wheels 67 as the foil passes between the wheels67, 68. Likewise, the portion 62 is a lower wall portion of dispenser 60having an axle-like portion 66 for support of wheels 68 to facilitaterotation thereof.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a dispenser 70 which surrounds the originalstore bought package of metallic foil. The outer dispenser 70 maycomprise the features of any of the grill producing configurations shownin FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 and 27 both alone or incombination; such as the wheel combination of FIG. 24 being on oppositesides of the dispenser 70 as the wheel configuration shown in FIG. 19.That is, if one wants to configure the foil by means of the wheelconfiguration shown in FIG. 19, the foil will be dispensed from the sideof the dispenser 70 having the wheels 63, 65 mounted thereon. If onewants to configure the foil by means of the wheel configuration shown inFIG. 21, the foil will be dispensed from the opposite side of thedispenser 70 having the wheels 67, 68 mounted thereon. One of ordinaryskill in the art may appreciate that different types of food items maybe best cooked by one or the other foil configurations, and the foil maybe dispensed accordingly. As shown the top and bottom portions 71, 72the dispenser 70 may separate like a box having sides 70S wherein thetop and bottom portions fit together in the tongue and groove mannershown to the right in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a portion of the dispenser 60 comprisingwheel-like portions 67 and 68, which rotate on axles 64 and 66respectively (note that the cut-away view of FIG. 18 is enlarged in FIG.24) and further showing the perspective view-point by the line 26-26 forthe adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of the resilient fingers whichprovide for the adjustment of axles 64, 65, which may be formed from aplastic material which is somewhat flexible, yet provides sufficientdurability and support. Resilient fingers which may be a pliable plasticor elastic provide ample support for the axles 64 and 66 yet are easilyadjustable by moving the axles up and down in the channel formed asshown in FIG. 25. It can be readily appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that a variety of adjustment means may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the dispenserportions 61 and 62 having resilient portions therein providingadjustment of axles 64 and 66. The resilient fingers may be formed froma plastic material (such as PVC) which is somewhat flexible, yetprovides sufficient durability and support. The flexible nature of thefingers provide for movement of axles 64 and 66 to change theconfiguration of the foil passing between the wheel assemblies 63 and 65or, as depicted in FIG. 24, the wheel assemblies 67 and 68.

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60A comprising topand bottom portions 61A and 62B having a corrugated-like or undulatedfoil interface portions. As the foil exits the dispenser 60A, it willpass through the undulated surfaces imparting an undulated configurationto the cross-section of the foil.

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60, 60A or 70comprising hinges 61 which allow the opening of the dispenser 60, 60A or70. The hinges 61 allow the top and bottom portions of the dispensers60, 60A or 70 to separate to permit entry of the roll of foil.

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60, 60A or 70comprising multiple sets of hinges 61 which allow the opening of thedispenser 60, 60A or 70 at multiple locations providing a variety ofconfiguration patterns. As can be readily appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, the dispenser may be opened at differentpoints of separation to permit entry of the foil therebetween, asdepicted, for example, in FIG. 30.

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser 60, 60A or 70comprising multiple sets of configurable surfaces providing twodifferent configuration patterns. As can be readily appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art, the dispenser may be opened at differentpoints of separation to permit entry of the foil therebetween, asdepicted, for example, in FIG. 30.

FIG. 31A is a schematic illustration of another preferred embodimentwhich produces another type of grill-like configuration in the foil.FIG. 32 is an alternative schematic illustration showing an enlargedview of the broken circle portion of FIG. 31A, Upper section or portion61 and lower portion or section 62 each contain diamond shapedwheel-like, substantially circular portions 67D, 68D which configure thefoil into ridges and valleys as the foil passes between the circular,wheel-like portions (having a diamond cross-section) 67D, 68D. Note thateach of the substantially circular first and second portions 67D and 68Dcomprise surfaces that are circular in cross section in a first planeand form an apex in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, asillustrated in FIGS. 31B and 31C. The upper portions 67D and lowerportions 68D may, for example, be made of hard or flexible plastic orrubber-like material. The axles 64 and/or 66 may be made of metal, suchas for example, steel or aluminum. Motors 99U and 99L may be used todrive the axles 64 and 66. Alternately, one of the axles may be beltdriven as shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the configuration wheels of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 32. As shown in FIG. 33, the axles 64, 66 areadjustable by moving the axles between tongued portions 69T in FIG. 33.The tongued portions and supports 61, 62 may be made of a plasticmaterial such as polyvinyl chloride. The adjustment of the axles 64 and66 may be accomplished by pushing or pulling on the axles 64, 66. Inaddition, the shafts may be motor driven by motors 99L and 99U.Alternately, at least one of the shafts may be gear driven through aseries of gears which extend from one shaft to the other.

FIG. 34 is a second alternative schematic illustration showing anenlarged view of the broken circle portion of FIG. 31. In the embodimentof FIG. 34, the circular wheel-like portions 67C may be combined asillustrated in FIG. 34, Likewise, the circular wheel-like portions 68Cmay be combined as illustrated in FIG. 34. The axles 64, 66 may both bedriven by motors 99U, 99L or one of the two axles 64, 66 may be beltdriven as shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a schematic illustration of a cutting tool adapted to be usedwith the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The cuttingtool may be integral with the dispenser 60 (as shown in FIG. 31), 60A or70. The cutting tool 80 comprises an actuator 81 which engages a blade82 within a housing as seen to the right in FIG. 35. As the actuator ispressed downward, the blade 82 engages and cuts the foil therebetweenand enters the receiver 83, as shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is a schematicillustration of a cutting tool and receiver portion adapted to be usedwith the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Upon release, the actuator returns to the position shown in the upperportion of FIG. 35 due to the force of spring 85. The blade 82 may beformed of rigid plastic or metal. FIG. 37 is a schematic illustration ofa side view of the cutting tool and receiver portion shown in FIG. 36adapted to be used with the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 38A is a top view of an alternate configuration in which the axles64, 66 and configuration portions may be bowed inward so that theconfiguration of the foil on the outside portion of the foil is not doneat the same time as the configuration of the inner portion of the foil.

FIG. 38B is a top view of an alternate configuration in which the axles64, 66 and configuration portions may be cascaded so that theconfiguration of the foil on the outside portion of the foil is not doneat the same time as the configuration of the inner portion of the foil;i.e. the inner portion is configured last. Although the diamond crosssection wheels are shown in the FIGS. 38A and 38B, wheel 67 and 68 (asshown in FIG. 24) may be utilized in each of the cascaded embodiments90, 110 shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B. in each of FIGS. 38A and 38B, theaxles 64 and 64 are driven by motor 99U through gears 99G. Motor 99U maybe battery powered.

FIG. 39 is a depiction of a close-up view of the cascaded axles 64B, 66Bof either of the embodiments of FIG. 38A or 38B. Note that the axles 64,66 are adjustable within tongue 69T and groove portions as schematicallydepicted in FIG. 39. Cutter portion 80 may be affixed to the side asshown in FIG. 39. The foil cutter 80 comprises a plunger 81, blade 82(which may be steel or hard plastic)and blade receiver 83, biased in theup position by a spring 84 (not shown). After the foil is configured bythe cascaded wheel sets, the foil cutter 80 cuts the foil by the hand ofthe used pushing downward on the plunger 81 against the force of thespring 85. Upon the hand's release of the plunger 81, the blade 82returns to the position shown in FIG. 39. Note that wheels 67, 67D, 68,68D may be formed of a resilient or rigid material such as syntheticrubber, or plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride). The configuration of thewheels is such that a grill-like configuration is produced in the foilin the embodiments depicted in, inter alia, FIGS. 38A, 38B and 39. Inthe alternative, an undulated configuration may be provided utilizingmore rounded wheels 67, 68.

As used herein, the terminology “grill-like” includes narrow, rounded orrectangular edges upon which an item, such as a food item, may besupported.

As used herein, the terminology “interface” refers to the interfacingportions of two separate portions, or the operative interconnectionbetween two separate portions by which the surfaces of the nearby oradjacent portions coordinate or interact effectively.

As used herein, the terminology “undulate” or “undulated” refers to awavelike form, outline, or appearance.

As used herein, the terminology “apex” means the point of culminationand/or the end of an object or of a portion of an object. The apex maybe pointed or rounded.

As used herein, the longitudinal axis of foil being unrolled is definedas extending in the direction of the unrolling foil as shown in FIG. 17.

As used herein the terminology “ridge” means a long narrow elevatedportion which has a top which may be substantially rounded, flat orneither.

As used herein, the terminology “catter-corner” means the slanted acrossa polygon on a diagonal line; diagonally opposing.

As used herein, the terminology “wall” means a tangible, physicalstructure serving to enclose or protect an area, or a verticalconstruction built to contain or retain something.

As used herein, the terminology “serrated” or “serrations” means aconfiguration resembling a triangular confirmation such as that depictedin FIG. 16, which may or may not have rounded corners.

As used herein, the terminology “cross section” refers to theintersection of a body in 3-dimensional space with a plane perpendicularto the longitudinal axis.

By way of background, household aluminum foils products commonly have athickness in the range of 0.01-0.018 mm and a width of 300 mm(approximately 12″)-500 mm (approximately 20″) and a length in the rangeof 5-100 m. According to Wikipedia, aluminum foil is widely sold intothe consumer market, often in rolls of 500 mm (20 in) width and severalmeters in length. Note that 30.48 centimeters equals 12 inches.Commercial aluminum foil may have a thickness less than 0.2 millimeters(0.0079 in), although much thinner gauges down to 0.006 mm areavailable.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made in these embodiments, without departing fromthe principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which isdefined in the claims and their equivalents.

1. A device for dispensing and configuration of foil comprising: afirst-sections comprising first substantially circular portions; asecond section comprising second substantially circular portions whichinterface the first substantially circular portions of the firstsection; a base on which the first and second sections are operativelyconnected; whereby when a foil is moved between the first and secondsections, the foil is configured by the first and second substantiallycircular portions into continuously elevated portions along thelongitudinal axis of the foil.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the baseforms part of a dispenser having a movable top portion for insertion ofa roll of foil and wherein the first and second substantially circularportions are positioned on the side of the dispenser such that as thefoil is dispensed, the foil passed between the first and secondsubstantially circular portions to thereby configure the foil.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the first and second substantially circularportions are interleaved such that the first and second substantialcircular portions are off-set from each other so as to produce one ofridges, undulations or serrations in the foil as the foil passestherebetween.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the substantiallycircular first and second portions comprise surfaces that are circularin cross section in a first plane and form an apex in a second planeperpendicular to the first plane.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein eachof the substantially circular first and second portions comprisesurfaces that are circular in cross section in a first plane and form anoval in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.
 6. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the first and second substantially circular portionsrotate on at least one first and second axles, respectively, and whereinthe first and second substantially circular portions are adapted to passfoil therebetween in order to configure one of ridges, undulations orserrations along the longitudinal axis of the foil.
 7. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the substantially circular first and second portionspivot on at least one axle.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein at leastone of the at least one axle is motor driven,
 9. The device of claim 7wherein the at least one axle comprises a plurality of axles separatedspatially from one another in the longitudinal direction of the foil andwherein the first and second substantially circular portions comprise aplurality sets of first and second substantially circular portions, thesets of the first and second substantially circular portions pivoting onthe separated axles.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein due to thespatially separated axles the inner portion of the foil is configured ata different interval of time than the outer portion of the foil as thefoil is dispensed.
 11. A method for dispensing foil while creating across sectional configuration in the foil: providing a dispenser fromwhich the aluminum foil may be dispensed; the dispenser having anopening therein; passing the foil through an opening; the opening havingfirst and second sections which impart a cross sectional configurationto the foil; the first and second sections being configured to createcontinuously elevated portions along the longitudinal axis of the foil.12. The method of claim 10 wherein the continuously elevated portionsare ridge-like which provide a grill-like surface along the longitudinalaxis of the foil.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the dispensercomprises a first sections comprising first substantially circularportions and a second section comprising second substantially circularportions which interface the first substantially circular portions ofthe first section to provide the opening through which foil passes. 14.A device for configuring foil comprising: a first section comprising afirst configuration; a second section comprising a second configuration;the foil configuring device adapted to dispense foil between the firstand second sections, the first and second portions imparting agrill-like surface configuration to the foil as the foil is dispensedfrom the foil configuring device in the longitudinal direction of thefoil.
 15. The device of claim 14 adapted to be used in conjunction witha roll of aluminum foil having a longitudinal axis, and wherein the foilis unrolled from a roll in a first direction and wherein when foil isinserted between the first and second sections as the foil moves in thefirst direction, the first direction correlating to the longitudinalaxis of the foil and wherein the foil is configured with continuousridges along the longitudinal axis of the foil which provide for thecirculation of air when the foil is used for cooking.
 16. The device ofclaim 15 wherein the spacing between the ridges in the lateral directionof the foil is in a range of approximately one-eighth to approximatelyone inch and wherein the length of the device is approximately one of12, 18, 20 or
 24. 17. The device of claim 14 wherein the first andsecond sections create a plurality of continuous ridges in thelongitudinal direction of the foil.
 18. The device of claim 14 whereinthe first and second sections create one of an undulated surface or aserrated surface.
 19. The device of claim 14 wherein the first andsecond sections are spaced apart and wherein the spacing is adjustable.20. The device of claim 4 wherein the dispensing of foil is motordriven.